Runeblade

The runeblades? Maybe they're still out there. Maybe.

— Hyrokee Bit-Oster

Humanity crouched on the verge of extinction in olden history. Humans faced a bleak future in a brutal, unfriendly world because they lacked the natural abilities that elves, dwarves, and other species had. According to legend, Eruer, God of Creation, fashioned a series of magical swords and bestowed them on mankind's surviving heroes. These swords, called runeblades because of the sigils carved into their steel, have distinct abilities. The heroes who first wielded the runeblades carved their sagas into the pages of history.
Although the majority of runeblades have gone or been destroyed, there are rumors that a few have survived. One of these lethal weapons may fall into the hands of a new hero if fate or some unseen power intervenes. A warrior who is entrusted with a runeblade confronts a perilous—and probably brief—life, for he would hold the ability to alter not just his own fate, but the fate of whole civilizations. Each blade has its own set of abilities, and the runes are supposed to give magic tailored to the person holding it. Whether or whether these tales are genuine, no one would underestimate a runeblade wielder's sheer might and lethal combat magic.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Each runeblade has sentience, which an individual discovers when it adopts them as its wielder. Once they take the sword, they are bound to it for the rest of their life, or until they dishonor it.
When a runeblade is adopted by a new wielder, it has two runes carved into its blade; all runeblades have the identical initial two runes. As the blade and the wielder bond the blade acquires new runes that provide different features. The initial runes provide the following powers:

• Bound Blade: The sword is inextricably linked to the soul of the person who wields it. This link will last until they die or the sword abandons them because they have disgraced it. By saying the blade's name as an action, they can summon it to their hand. Regardless of the distance between them and the weapon, or the measures used to restrict the blade, the sword appears in their hand.
• Lore Rune: The sword has witnessed centuries of epic events and has much to teach its wielder, whispering old wisdom into their minds and imbuing them with the insight of earlier days.

There are a few limits , taboos or rituals that must be followed when using a runeblade. If these are ignored, one may lose access to any or all of the weapon's runes. The sword may desert its wielder if it is pushed too far with such contempt. The following are the limitations that come with wielding a runeblade:

• Jealous Devotion: A runeblade wielder is not allowed to own or use another magical blade. The runeblade pulses an empathic rush of envious fury at one bonded with it if they grasp another magical sword; if they ignore this warning, they lose access to the blade's runes until they discard the offending weapon. They might be permitted to own a magical weapon other than a sword if they treat it with respect. If they use this weapon, it must be kept in their off-hand at all times.
• Obsessive Care: One must treat a runeblade as if it were a sacred object. After each usage, clean, sharpen, and lubricate the blade. Get the greatest scabbard gold can purchase for it. Never use it for everyday chores like cutting wood or whittling sticks. Allowing others to use the runeblade should only be done in dire situations.
• Ongoing Legend: Hire a bard to compose a song, poem, or tale about one's runeblade. Give her your patronage and support so that they can perform their work around the country. A runeblade is always grateful for generosity in commissioning and distributing such works on its behalf.
• Punishment: If a taboo, a ritual, or one of the expectations listed above is broken, the runeblade will prevent access to one of the highest-level runes accessible. Each day that this disobedience continues, one loses access to a higher-level rune. If all access to accessible runes is lost, the sword is shamed by the disobedience, and it leaves the bearer's possession, forcing them to atone or become just another warrior. A significant quest or endeavor is generally required for atonement.
• Taboos and Rituals: Each runeblade has a taboo or requires a regular, defined ritual to be performed in its honor. This taboo may seem absurd, yet the blade expects certain standards to be followed. Abstinence from alcohol, regular financial gifts to a worthwhile cause, a blood sacrifice when the blade is drawn, a regular cleansing ritual of fasting and meditation, or a vow of chastity are just a few examples of the taboos or rituals a runeblade may require.

Runeblade

Item type

Weapon, Melee

As a runeblade bearer attunes and bonds to the weapon more closely, they may gain access to other runes. Legends tell of runeblades granting the following powers:

• Blade Ward: Grants the bearer the ability to cast the Blade Ward spell.
• Earth Rune: Gives the wielder resistance to acid, cold, fire, lightning or thunder damage for a short period and stabilizes the bearer if they are badly hurt.
• Eye of Night: Grants Darkvision to the bearer.
• Fire Rune: Flames wreath the blade upon command, burning foes and illuminating the surrounding area. The blade also protects its bearer from the cold.
• Frost Rune: Freezes the flesh of those struck with the blade and gives its wielder resistance to fire.
• Good Fortune Rune: The blade acts as a lucky charm, increasing the bearer's chances of succeeding at a task.
• Light Rune: The blade sheds light as a Light or Daylight spell upon command.
• Lightning Rune: The blade unleashes a lightning bolt on command.
• Hunter's Rune: The blade marks an enemy, dealing extra damage to that enemy when it strikes.
• Portal Rune: Allows the wielder to teleport short distances.
• Shield Rune: Protects the bearer from incoming blows as if they were wielding a shield.
• Skirmisher Rune: The wielder moves with superior grace and speed while using the blade.
• Thunder Rune: Unleashes a concussive blast of sonic energy upon striking a foe.
• Wind Rune: Unleashes a powerful gust of air from the blade.